As the holidays draw near, many are reminded of the joy of giving. But for the Newman student body, the joy of giving back is something that is embedded within their education throughout the year.
Recently, more than 120 Newman students, alumni and staff stepped up to the plate for the nonprofit organization Feed My Starving Children (FMSC).
FMSC is a Christian nonprofit organization dedicated to combating world hunger by working with food distribution partners who coordinate the packing and delivery of meals throughout the world. These meals are developed by food science and nutrition professionals to supplement nutritional needs and reduce problems with malnutrition.
The shelf-stable pouches contain four ingredients: rice, soy, vitamins and vegetables. The recipe is specifically designed to nourish starving children.
The 2025 Wichita packing event took place at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (SEAS) over the course of four days from Sept. 14-17. FMSC team members and volunteers prepared a total of 183,358 meals that were shipped to some to the poorest countries in the world.
June Huie ’89, FMSC director of community engagement in Wichita, approached Newman Athletic Director Kenyon Spears about encouraging student athletes to sign up for a volunteer shift at the Wichita pack event. Spears was immediately on board and reached out to the coaches for help.
The volunteers didn’t just come from athletics, though. More than 25 alumni and staff members joined in the service as well.
“Two of Newman University’s four core values — culture of service and global perspective — align perfectly with FMSC,” said Huie. “The students and alumni who were at this event as volunteers got to see and experience what global service can look like.”
Sapphira Lyons, junior nursing student, said helping those in need is why she volunteers.
Lyons said, “There are a lot of people struggling right now and I think it’s important that we all come together and help them.”
Junior Tyler Hensch said his favorite thing about volunteering is helping people.
“This is bigger than me. It’s bigger than us. If we are able to help, we have to help,” said Hensch.
The meals, packed by Newman volunteers and other Wichita community members, were shipped to children in Mozambique. Huie said the volunteers involved ensured that 502 children in Mozambique will not starve this year.
